Solan, August 6
The Literature Society of the Chitrakoot School of Liberal Arts, Shoolini University, hosted a session on “European Demonology: Study of Witches in Mediaeval Europe”.
Demonology was the subject of the first discussion, and the focus was on witches, the taboos around them, and the manner in which society treated them in the mediaeval ages. The speaker for the day was Samrat Sharma, who teaches at Shoolini University. He explained the misogyny behind the treatment of witches, the manner in which they were considered evil and burnt at the stake.
Another session organised by the Society was a “Meet The Writer” discussion in which Rita Chhablani, in conversation with Prof Tej Nath Dhar, talked about her new book, “We Will Be Together Always and Other Stories”. The stories centre around love.
Ms. Rita Chhablani, a popular yoga teacher, went on to author her first book, The Joys of Yoga. Her second, Despite Odds…Tales of Choices, received rave reviews in the US. Cross Connection, a drama thriller, was launched at the Pune Literary Festival. She also initiated a writers’ group in Pune. She currently volunteers for two NGOs and teaches spoken English.
An animated discussion followed both the talks, in which Prof. Pratip Majumdar and Prof. Tej Nath Dhar took part, along with other faculty members of the School of Liberal Arts, Shoolini University. Purnima Bali moderated Samrat’s session, tempering the debate with a sprinkling of wit and humour.
Prof. Manju Jaidka, Dean of Liberal Arts, announced that in the following weeks some more interesting events are lined up.
